glossary (A to E)

The definitions contained in this glossary have been distilled (and usually simplified) from published sources too numerous to mention here (most appear in our some books on glass section), and from information kindly provided by specialist dealers over the years, to whom many thanks. We believe the information to be accurate, but welcome corrections or suggestions for inclusion. The list of terms is by no means comprehensive, but we hope it contains most of the words that a beginner collector is likely to come across

A drinking-glass, externally normal, the walls and/or base of the bowl being much thicker than usual so that the capacity is greatly diminished (thus allowing the drinker to appear to be drinking as much as others, while staying relatively sober!)

Diamond-cut

Method of cutting in parallel diagonal V-shaped grooves in two opposing directions, so as to leave faceted lozenge-shapes. Also imitated in pressed glass

Diamond-point

A method of hand-engraving by scratching or stipple-engraving glass with a diamond-pointed tool

Dip-mould

One-piece mould into which the gather is dipped before blowing, to give a particular surface effect such as a pattern of parallel or diamond-ribbing

Dram

Small inexpensive glass used in taverns for gin, brandy etc. Found with all types of stem (short) and bowl. 18th Century drams have conical foot (folded before 1750)

Dry mustard pot

Georgian (late 18th/early 19th Century) glass pot for holding powdered condiments, with a high-domed lid (to accommodate a spoon in between uses). May be plain, wrythen or cut, with various types of foot (including lemon-squeezer)

Dwarf ale glass

Small, rudimentary-stemmed funnel-shaped ale-glass. Ale being stronger in the 17th to early 19th centuries (more like a barley wine), ale glasses were often of quite small capacity